Chapter 570

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Shangguan Peilin watched the crowd argue endlessly, and he too felt somewhat uncertain. He turned his head to look at Shangguan Xingyan standing to the side, and asked: "Younger Brother, what is your view on this?"

Seeing his father inquire, Shangguan Xingyan stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said: "Huangdi, your son believes the words of those several ministers just now all have their reason. The situation in Dongying Guo is indeed somewhat dangerous now; we indeed should take some action."

Shangguan Peilin nodded, expressing agreement. Shangguan Xingyan continued: "Just now one minister mentioned fearing that war would make the common people suffer, so he proposed surrender.

Your son feels this minister's worry is not without reason; after all, Huangdi, you are a wise ruler, and naturally care about the people's livelihood, cherish the people, and respect the people's wishes."

Hearing Shangguan Xingyan's words, Shangguan Peilin asked thoughtfully: "Oh? Then in your opinion, what should be done?"

Your son believes we can widely solicit the common people's opinions. Shangguan Xingyan's words were like a stone cast into a calm lake, stirring up a thousand layers of waves, causing all the ministers present to prick up their ears in unison, afraid to miss a single word.

Even Shangguan Peilin could not help but develop a strong interest in what Shangguan Xingyan would say next; he leaned forward slightly, waiting attentively for the rest.

Seeing this, Shangguan Xingyan did not hesitate or beat around the bush in the slightest, but continued: "Huangdi, your son suggests you first issue an announcement, then dispatch officials to every city to set up a dedicated polling station.

In this way, the broad masses of common people can, under conditions of anonymity, freely express their true thoughts on whether to surrender or not."

No sooner had his words fallen than the court erupted like a boiling pot; everyone began whispering and discussing heatedly. Some agreed with the proposal, considering it a democratic approach that could fully reflect public opinion; others held a skeptical attitude, worrying the people's views might be influenced by various factors and not be objective enough.

However, Shangguan Peilin secretly pondered Shangguan Xingyan's proposal in his heart.

He realized that no matter what the final voting result was, it seemed it would have no great impact on him. If the people disagreed with surrender, then this suggestion was made by the ministers, and responsibility would naturally not fall on his head;

and if the people agreed to surrender, not only could it follow the people's hearts, but it would also let him establish a good image in the people's hearts as one who thinks for them.

More importantly, Shangguan Peilin knew clearly in his heart that a matter like voting actually has a certain room for manipulation.

As long as there is slight guidance and control during the process, the final result could completely possibly develop in the direction he hopes for. Shangguan Peilin secretly pondered in his heart, and felt very satisfied with Shangguan Xingyan's proposal.

However, just at this moment, a minister suddenly stepped forward and said respectfully: "Reporting to Huangdi, your subject believes this voting matter is certainly feasible, but among it there will probably be people who secretly manipulate, engaging in shady operations."

Shangguan Peilin nodded slightly, expressing agreement with this minister's worry. He knew well that the human heart is unfathomable; although this voting method appears fair and just, it cannot be guaranteed that no one will stop at nothing to achieve their own ends.

Seeing this, Shangguan Xingyan hurriedly spoke: "Huangdi, your son believes this matter can be fully entrusted to your son. Your son will certainly arrange it properly, ensuring the voting process is fair and transparent."

Shangguan Peilin looked at Shangguan Xingyan, a trace of appreciation flashing in his eyes. He knew this son had always been clever and quick-witted, and handled matters quite steadily.

Shangguan Xingyan continued: "Moreover, when issuing the announcement, we can clearly write that if anyone dares to tamper with the voting, once discovered, they will be directly thrown into imprisonment, locked up for three to five years.

Your son believes those ill-intentioned people, seeing such severe punishment, will probably also have some apprehension and not dare to take the risk lightly. After all, to land in prison for such a trifling matter is truly not worth the loss."

Shangguan Peilin nodded, feeling Shangguan Xingyan's words were extremely correct. This way, not only could it deter those attempting to cheat, but it could also let the common people and other officials feel more at ease about the fairness of the voting.

Shangguan Xingyan continued: "In addition, the people responsible for counting at each polling station, your son will personally select. These people are all your son's confidants, absolutely loyal and devoted.

No matter how the common people or other officials may argue with glib tongues, your son's people will uphold principles, absolutely treating every vote fairly and justly. As for other details, they can wait until after court to discuss in detail, and will also need the Hubu's people to assist."

After Shangguan Xingyan's words fell, the court was silent for a good while, and no one made a sound.

Shangguan Peilin also knew clearly in his heart that this matter could not be decided in one go, so he spoke: "We believe Younger Brother's idea is feasible, but We give you one day to consider. At tomorrow's morning court, if any Grand Councilor has a better idea, you may put it forward. If not, after tomorrow's morning court ends, we will carefully discuss the specific details of the voting."

Hearing Shangguan Peilin did not make a final decision, the ministers all breathed a slight sigh of relief in their hearts. After all there was still one day; everyone felt they could go home and think it over carefully, and consult with colleagues, so for a time no one spoke again.

Accompanied by a sharp "Court dismissed" cry, the ministers all rose and filed out of Jinluan Hall. Some in groups of two or three, some alone, each going to discuss the feasibility of this matter.

On the second day's morning court, when Shangguan Peilin asked everyone's views on yesterday's matter, the atmosphere in the court appeared somewhat heavy.

A few individual stubborn old ministers felt deciding the nation's life and death by voting was somewhat child's play, and prepared to argue forcefully on principle, but the other ministers all decided to remain silent.

After all, in this era the concept of democracy is still rather vague; most people have no great doubt about the decision-making method for state affairs, always believing the final decision rests with Huangdi anyway, so there is no need to keep insisting on their own view, making Huangdi annoyed and gaining nothing for the loss.

Thus this matter was settled just like that. After court, Shangguan Xingyan and the Hubu Minister together went to Yudi, to discuss the various details of the voting matter with Shangguan Peilin.

They discussed in detail the voting method, time, place, and participating population and other issues, ensuring the entire process's fairness, justice, and transparency.

The next day, the Chao Ting issued an announcement, declaring a vote would be held on whether to surrender.

This news rapidly spread through every street and alley, arousing the common people's widespread attention and discussion.